At a time in Hollywood when many men have lost projects in the wake of sexual harassment allegations, Johnny Depp remains a star of the Fantastic Beasts sequel.

Update: Warner Bros., director David Yates, producer David Heyman and writer J.K. Rowling all stand by that decision.

In statements obtained by USA TODAY, the studio and the filmmakers explain why Depp should keep playing villain Gellert Grindelwald, despite the actor's ex-wife's allegations of physical abuse made during their divorce, which was finalized in January.

"This matter has been jointly addressed by both parties, in a statement in which they said, 'there was never any intent of physical or emotional harm.' Based on the circumstances and the information available to us, we, along with the filmmakers, continue to support the decision to proceed with Johnny Depp in the role of Grindelwald in this and future films."

Yates and Heyman's joint statement said they tried to be "sensitive" to both parties.

"None of us involved in Fantastic Beasts would ever let our appreciation of talent obscure other, far more important considerations," their statement said. "We recognized the magnitude of the issues raised and understood the strength of feeling expressed. We hoped and strived at all times to be sensitive to both parties.

"We stand by our decision to have Johnny in the films."

Rowling published a statement on her website, saying that she is not only comfortable with Depp's casting "but genuinely happy" to have him starring in the franchise.

"Based on our understanding of the circumstances, the filmmakers and I are not only comfortable sticking with our original casting, but genuinely happy to have Johnny playing a major character in the movies," she said.

“Honestly, there’s an issue at the moment where there’s a lot of people being accused of things, (but) with Johnny, it seems to me there was one person who took a pop at him and claimed something," Yates told EW, referring to Heard.

"I can only tell you about the man I see every day: He’s full of decency and kindness, and that’s all I see. Whatever accusation was out there doesn’t tally with the kind of human being I’ve been working with.”

Yates differentiated Heard's accusations against Depp from those made about men including Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey.

"It’s very different (than cases) where there are multiple accusers over many years that need to be examined and we need to reflect on our industry that allows that to roll on year in and year out. Johnny isn’t in that category in any shape or form. So to me, it doesn’t bear any more analysis," he said. "It's a dead issue."

"Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love. Neither party has made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm. Amber wishes the best for Johnny in the future. Amber will be donating financial proceeds from the divorce to a charity."

Depp made a cameo in last November's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The Beasts sequel, which will feature Depp in a more prominent role, is slated for release on Nov. 16, 2018.

If you have ever experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct while working in the entertainment industry, we’d like to hear from you. Send us a secure tip using the instructions at newstips.usatoday.com.